New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has been mentioned as a possible 2016 presidential candidate. / Mike Groll, AP

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo reportedly won't run for president if Hillary Rodham Clinton gets into the 2016 race -- but the Democrat is shooting down that story.

"The governor has told people in recent weeks that there's not a chance for him to run if Hillary gets in the race because she'll easily wrap up the Democratic nomination," reports the New York Post, quoting a "Cuomo administration insider with direct knowledge of the situation."

Cuomo said during a radio interview Monday the newspaper report is incorrect and that he's not talking about presidential politics.

"Hillary Clinton is going to do whatever Hillary Clinton is going to do and I'm doing what I'm doing," Cuomo said on Capitol Pressroom, a program on WCNY public radio. "I'm focusing on running this state and doing it the best I can. That's all there is to that."

The 2016 presidential race is a long, long way off but the headline "If Hillary is running for prez, I'm out" is hard to ignore and the New York Post story by veteran reporter Fred Dicker was circulated on Twitter and picked up by other news media.

Public opinion polls have shown Clinton, the former secretary of State and ex-New York senator, to be the early favorite among Democrats who are possible presidential candidates. She hasn't said whether she is running, but the Ready for Hillary super PAC is out there encouraging a White House bid.

Clinton was the overwhelmingly leader in a WMUR Granite State poll released last week, which showed 61% of New Hampshire voters would choose Clinton in the Democratic primary. Vice President Biden came in next with 7%, followed by Cuomo and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick with 3% each.